EPL: Chelsea hero Frank Lampard to play for rivals Man City

Chelsea's legendary midfielder will turn out for title rivals Man City this season after sealing loan deal

Manchester: Frank Lampard has expressed his delight at having the opportunity to continue operating at the top level following his move to Manchester City on loan until January.

Frank Lampard sporting the Chelsea colours at Stamford Bridge last season; Inset: The new Man City jersey. Pics/Getty Images

The 36-year-old England midfielder is spending time with City as he prepares for life with the club's sister American outfit New York City FC, who do not begin their new Major League Soccer season until the spring of 2015.

Lampard trained with the Manchester side, the English Premier League champions, for the first time on yesterday, and he told www.mcfc.co.uk: "Joining up with Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue to train and play at the top level and make sure I am in top condition for New York City.

It has been an amazing few days for me since the unveiling in Brooklyn and everyone connected with both clubs has been fantastic to me. This is a new chapter of my career and I'm really excited about the experience.

"I met Manuel (Pellegrini, Man City manager) and some of the players in New York and I'm looking forward to getting into training and making a contribution for Manchester City ahead of my move over to New York."

Pellegrini said: "Frank is a world class midfielder and this is an opportunity which works perfectly for everyone, the player, Manchester City, and New York City.

I'm looking forward to working with him and integrating him into our squad. New York have made a fantastic signing by recruiting Frank, and I'm really pleased that we'll be able to have him with us for the first half of our season and help prepare him for his new challenge."

Lampard is available for all of City's domestic and European games.

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal managerLampard's move to City is a surprise, it looks like all these 'City' clubs will feed the main club. I heard they want to buy five clubs all around the world. They (players) will register in the clubs where they (City) will put them and they can get out on loan. Is it a way to get around (financial) fair play?

Jose Mourinho Chelsea managerHe is a free agent so I have no problem at all. When he comes to Stamford Bridge he is welcome

How strong are City?After the acquisition of Frank Lampard, City can essentially boast of 22 players capable of playing in the First XI: